I have been a big fan of these for years. I recently reordered these in XL, in several colors. For one, the color of the KHAKI has changed from a nice light tan to an ugly tan with a light greenish tinge. Second, and more important, the gussests are narrower than they used to be -- especially at the leg opening where it really matters, so the shorts are not nearly as comfortable and as before: they tug on the front of your legs when flexing. Too bad...

3/30/2015

Erik

Campbell, CA

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2

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4

5

zipper

The zipper problem is an issue with others of their pants, and yes, I understand the problem.

3/20/2015

big boy

bend oregon

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2

3

4

5

The Best!

These are the only shorts my husband will wear. You can't see the subltle elastic under a belt, he loves the 7.5 length and the durability of the fabric. I wish they came in black, and I haven't been able to get olive for years...it is always "sold out".

4/13/2014

Linn

California

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2

3

4

5

Bad change

The original Life of Riley shorts were my alltime favorite so I was glad to see that they were being reissued. However, this new version is inferior to the original. For one thing, the zipper is too short and this leads to problems that I won't enumerate. Also, the great old stone color is no longer available. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

3/10/2014

clarkl

Tifton, GA

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3

4

5

Nice Construction

I like the fabric on these and they are certainly nicely made. Will be good shorts to lounge around in during the hot weather.

4/13/2013

Scooter

Western MA

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4

5

6/26/2012

guernica

1

2

3

4

5

Great shorts

Top of the line, still have the first pair I bought(still trying to get back into them) It,s an age thing.

6/25/2012

TBIRD

Mass.

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2

3

4

5

Funky Colors For Cool Shorts

New shopper at Territory Ahead. So far so great. I love everything that I have purchased including these shorts. Comfortable, soft, and stylish. Can't wait to see them fade. Only problem I bought them too short 7.5"" length and my usual size large 34"" waist too big for Riley's large. Have to send back for 9"" length and XL waist. Wife loved the look but said I looked like an old man with 7.5"" length, whatever :). I highly recommend these shorts but if you are new to TA may want to size up one.

6/4/2012

SAT3

Texas

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2

3

4

5

Great Style

Sizing runs a little small. Had to trade up to an XL, where L has worked for other purchases. Great fabric. True color. Very comfortable and will wear well.

5/31/2012

Beancounter

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2

3

4

5

Beltloops are ridiculous

I like these shorts, but as others have pointed out, the beltloops are absurdly large.

5/27/2012

Eastcoaster

McLean, VA

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3

4

5

product has changed

My closet is full of Territory Ahead clothing. I love it. Having said that, I am very disappointed in these shorts. I have had a pair for a couple of years in a size LARGE. I had a 36"" waist at the time. 36"" is a little tight right now, so I ordered an XL. I can barely button them. I have never worn an XXL in my life and I am 60 years old. You have obviously changed manufactures. Judging from the number of complaints, you need to change back! I understand you will happily exchange or refund, however that is not the issue. I now have to return these shorts, which is an inconvenience. Thank you for all your great products, but this is not one of them.

5/6/2012

Bob1

Spring Mills, Pa

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4

5

Nice Shorts & Colours

Bought 3 pr. in 3 different colours. Very pleased: a) Fabric is attractive, seems durable, washes well & rugged semi-faded look is very cool; b) nicely designed w/nod to small detail -- well constructed; c) Fairly comfortable w/some stretch in waistband (run very slightly smaller sizewise...if in doubt, go larger). Bought 9"" inseam - great! Yeah, the belt loops are a little large, so will need wider belt if using, but does not detract from stylishness. Highly recommend!

4/28/2012

WinoMike

Huntington Beach, CA

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3

4

5

Best shorts ever!

Hubby loves these. Choice of inseam is great option

4/27/2012

jgnull

AR

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3

4

5

RUns small

Not used to elastic waisted shorts. Stretched to the point of uncomfortable to get to the upper stated size if not less. THinking the next size up will be too big...

4/26/2012

NorSea27

norhtern MI

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5

Great shorts

Ive worn these shorts for years and keep re-ordering them. It takes years to wear a pair out they are so well made. They just get better with age. The slightly flexible waste provides for slight variations in weight. They are great.

4/26/2012

Barinr

Boston

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3

4

5

Great rugged shorts

Over the years I have own many pairs of these shorts. They wear well and look great. The fact that I have purchased so many pairs of these speaks for itself.

4/10/2012

Barinr

Boston

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3

4

5

Size differs per purchase

I purchased two pairs of shorts. One fits nicely the other I can hardly get on. Both are large and I have a 37 waste.

4/4/2012

Dietz

Mid Atlantic

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4

5

3/27/2012

Lucke

1

2

3

4

5

If only...

Really good looking shorts, unfortunately for me the legs were baggy and didn't look great on me. Otherwise they were awesome.

3/13/2012

carbon19

I-4 corridor FL

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4

5

Great shorts

Took a chance and ordered stretch banded shorts. Very good fit and stretch band hardly noticeable. Great fabric and colors.

3/5/2012

johno58

ATL

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3

4

5

Great Shorts 6 inch inseam

I have really enjoyed these shorts. I am short waisted and like the 6 inch inseam. I have purchased every color available. The low rise fit great for me. The only problem is with the belt loops. I don't understand why they have to be so large. They look a little strange, but the fit and the 6 inch inseam is why I like them so much. I would buy more when the belt loop is corrected and new colors are added to the line. I would like to see some other styles with the lower rise and inseam.

1/26/2012

Jam313

North Carolina

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5

Love these shorts!

I bought 2 pairs of these shorts for my husband. He loves them. They are a bit heavier than what he would normally wear but the quality it excellent. The feedback about the belt loops did not apply to the two pairs I bought so I'm not sure if they changed the style or what but they're perfectly normal. The colors are subdued but still rich. The tan and the navy go great with the TTA Coral Route shirt. My husband wears a size 38 waist and the XL fits perfecctly.

Do you know your acetate from a hole in the ground? Your gussets from your grommets? If not, here's a list of the more commonly used textile words and terms that you'll see in our catalog. For more information or clarification, you can call us at: 800-882-4324

ALPACA - The fleece from an Alpaca, a cousin to the llama. Alpaca fleece is similar in characteristics to wool, but softer, silkier and more lustrous.

BANDED COLLAR - A shirt without a fold-over collar; there is only the band at the neck.

BARTACK - A close series of stitches crossing a piece of cloth in order to reinforce is at a point of concentrated strain (e.g. belt loop or patch pocket corner).

BASKET WEAVE - A variation of the plain weave in which two or more threads weave alike in both warp (down) and filling (across) directions, joined in the regular order of the plain weave. So named for the basket-like pattern of the weave.

BATIK - A method of resist dyeing which employs wax as the resist. The pattern is covered with wax, and the fabric is then dyed: the wax patterns will not take the dye. The wax is removed after dyeing by boiling the fabric or applying solvent. The fabric is often streaked where the dye has gone through cracks in the wax. Batik dyeing originated in Indonesia.

BESOM - A narrow piece of fabric that works as an edging on a pocket; can be single besom, one side of pocket opening or double besom, both sides.

BOX PLEAT - Two small, back to back outward facing pleats that have a box- like appearance. On shirts, box pleats are positioned in the center back at the bottom of the yoke to allow ease of movement in the shoulders and arms.

BROADCLOTH - A fine, closely woven, lustrous cotton or cotton/poly blend made in plain weave with a fine rib in the direction of the filling (across). The filling yarn is heavier and has less twist than the warp yarn (down). The cloth is usually mercerized, and has a soft, firm finish.

BRUSHING - A finishing process for woven or knit fabrics in which brushes or other abrading elements are used to raise a nap (a fuzzy or downy surface). Brushed fabrics have a soft, slightly weathered, broken-in feel.

BUTTON-DOWN COLLAR - Having buttonholes on the collar points so they fasten to the shirt.

CAMP COLLAR - A one-piece collar that lays flat, part of the shirt also lays flat to create a notch. Also called a Convertible Collar or Notched Collar.

CANVAS - A general classification of strong, firm, closely woven fabrics usually made with cotton. A heavier, open weave comprised of plied yarns (a number of single yarns, usually three, twisted together). Characteristics: very hard-wearing, generally water-resistant.

CASHMERE - The fleece comes from a Cashmere goat. These animals roam at high elevations (10,000 - 15,000 ft.), hence their very warm, soft fleece. Garments made with cashmere are normally more expensive because of limited yield (one goat produces only 4 ounces of fleece a year).

CHAMBRAY - A general class of plain weave, usually cotton, made with a colored warp (down) and white filling (across). Most often made using blue and white, but also available in stripes, checks and figured patterns.

COMBING - The removal of short fibers or noils from material so that the resulting yarn be composed of larger fibers. The comb straightens and arranges them in parallel order.

CORDUROY - A strong, durable fabric with cotton ground and vertical cut-pile stripes (wales) formed by an extra system of filling yarns. The foundation of the fabric can be either a plain or twill weave. Of all cotton fabrics, corduroy is the warmest because its wales form an insulated cushion of air.

COTTON - A vegetable fiber consisting of unicellular hairs attached to the seed of the cotton plant. The normal color of cotton is light to dark cream, and its chemical composition is almost pure cellulose. A distinct feature of the mature fiber is its spirality or twist. In fabrics, cotton makes for strong, versatile, cool-wearing and comfortable garments.

CREPE - A general classification of fabric characterized by a broad range of crinkled or gained surface effects. Methods of making crepe include the use of hard twisted yarns, special chemical treatment, special weaves and embossing.

DART - A tuck in the fabric that is sewn. It is used to define the shape of a garment making a two dimensional piece of fabric into a three-dimensional garment. Darts are usually seen where the body curves: bust, waist, hip.

DENIM - A well-known basic cotton or blended fabric in a right- or left-hand woven twill. Generally, the warp (down) is dyed blue with a white filling (across). Also called "dungaree."

DOBBY - A general term for a fabric woven on a special dobby loom, which allows the weaving of small, geometric figures. These patterns are beyond the range of simple looms, yet too limited to be produced economically by Jacquard loom. A dobby weave can be distinguished from a plain weave by its more ornate and intricate woven appearance.

FLANNEL - Generally, a cotton or wool fabric, napped on one or both sides (usually both), then bleached, dyed or printed, and brushed or rerun through the napping machine to revive the nap. Flannel fabrics are very soft and cozy.

FLEECE - 1). A heavy napped surface, most often in knit goods, made with a heavy and soft-spun back yarn, which is napped in finishing (e.g. the inside surface of a sweatshirt). 2). Wool sheared from sheep or other animals in the wool class. The term is especially used for the entire coat of wool shorn from the sheep at one time; it is generally taken off the animal in one piece.

GARMENT DYEING - The garment is first produced, then the complete garment is dyed.

GARMENT WASH - The garment is constructed and then washed to soften the fabric and minimize shrinkage.

GAUGE - A measurement used in knitted garments that reflects the size of the needles used to knit the garment. The larger the gauge, the smaller the needle - therefore, the finer the knit.

GORE - Vertical panels in a skirt or dress; enhances the fit of a garment.

GROMMET - Little air holes reinforced with metal ring, usually on jackets, hats or shoes to allow ventilation.

GROSGRAIN - A firm, closely woven, ribbed fabric. It has a dressy appearance and is used for ribbons, neckties, hatbands and trimmings.

GUSSET - A triangular piece of fabric inserted into a garment to improve the fit or for reinforcement (e.g. on the sleeve of a jacket under the arm to allow for extra layering).

HERRINGBONE TWILL - A broken twill weave composed of vertical sections which are alternately right hand and left hand in direction, resembling the vertebral structure of the herring (zigzag). The twill changes direction perfectly where the weave breaks, balancing the overall pattern of the fabric.

HOLLYWOOD WAISTBAND - The waistband is the same piece of fabric as the rest of the garment. Advantages are that it has a smooth silhouette making the transition from hip to waist more gradual.

JACQUARD - A system of weaving which, because of a pattern-making mechanism of great versatility, permits the production of very ornate, complex woven designs. This type of weaving is used for tapestry, figured necktie and dress fabric, and figured patterns on knit goods (sweaters).

JERSEY - A generic term for a plain knitted fabric; its principal distinction is that it is not a fabric with a distinct rib (e.g. T-shirt fabric).

KNIT - Knit fabrics are made up of a series of interlocking loops that result in a flexible construction. All knits have some stretch.

LINEN - One of the oldest textile fibers known. Though the fiber and the fabric are both commonly known as linen, it is actually flax, the fiber of the Linum plant. Linen is generally favored for its fine, strong, cool-wearing properties. It drapes away from the skin rather than clinging to it. In knitwear, linen is combined with other natural or synthetic fibers for improved strength and resiliency.

MERCERIZATION - A treatment of cotton yarn or fabric to increase its luster. Its affinity for dyes is also enhanced. In the process, the material is immersed under tension in a sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) solution. This later is neutralized in acid. The process causes a permanent swelling of the fiber, thus increasing its luster.

NYLON - The generic term for man-made fibers composed of polyamides derived from coal and petroleum. Characteristics: high strength, elasticity, low water absorption and quick-drying.

OMBRE - A color effect woven into the fabric that has gradual changes in shade from light to dark, generally produced by arranging different tones in the warp.

PIGMENT DYEING - A process in which a specific type of dye is applied to the surface of a fabric, then after one washing it fades into a softer color. The color will slowly continue to fade with age. Pigment dyed products from The Territory Ahead are prewashed and will not harm other garments during washing.

PLACKET - An opening with fabric piecing and buttons or snaps on a garment that facilitates dressing. Plackets can be at the neck of a shirt, the cuff of a sleeve, or the waist of a skirt or pair of pants.

PLEATS - Small tucks in clothing to allow for extra room and ease of movement. Pleats can be seen at the waist of pants or skirts, the cuff of a sleeve, the waist or bust area of a blouse or dress.

PRINTING - Applying color(s) in definite, repeated patterns of fabric by any one of a number of printing methods. Color is deposited in thick paste form and treated with steam or chemicals to cause it to migrate into or adhere to textile material. The design is not woven into the cloth but stamped in after the cloth is woven or knit.

RAMIE - A strong, soft fiber yielded by the inner bark of the Ramie plant. The fiber is white, soft, lustrous and slightly coarser than flax (linen) when degummed and bleached. Ramie fabrics are strong, smooth and durable.

RAYON - A generic term for man-made fibers composed of regenerated cellulose derived from trees, cotton and woody plants. Characteristics: high absorbency, bright or dull luster, pleasant feel or hand, good draping qualities, ability to be dyed in brilliant colors and superior strength.

REACTIVE DYE - A type of dye that completely saturates the fabric for a long lasting color.

RIB KNIT - A double-knit fabric in which the rib wales or vertical rows of stitches intermesh alternatively on the face and the back of the fabric. Rib knit fabrics have good elasticity and shape retention, especially in the width.

RISE - The measurement on pants from the front waist between the legs up to the back waist. This refers to how high or low a pant will ride (i.e. "short-waist" or "long-waist")

SANDBLASTING - The garment is literally sandblasted for a worn-in look; fabric has to be very durable to withstand the abuse, usually 14 oz. denim for jeans.

SANDWASH - Sand is put into the industrial wash for a softened feel and texture for the garment.

SHIRTTAIL HEM - The curved bottom hem of a shirt - higher on the side hip area (for ease of movement) dipping low in the front and back (so that the shirt will stay tucked into pants).

SILK - Continuous protein filament produced by the larvae of various insects, especially the caterpillar when constructing its cocoon. The chief portion of commercial silk is produced in Japan and China. Characteristics: resiliency, aesthetics, elasticity and strength, warm in winter, cool in summer.

SLUB - A lump or thick place on yarn caused by small lengths of yarn adhering to it during the spinning process. This adds a random texture to the fabric when the yarn is woven or knit into a garment.

SPREAD COLLAR - An open collar with no buttons to hold the collar points to the shirt. Spread collars have two pieces: the fold over collar part and the stand that keeps the collar close to the neck.

STANDARD WAISTBAND - An extra piece of fabric that is sewn to the body of the pants, shorts or skirt.

TENCEL? - A cellulosic fiber produced by Courtaulds, spun from an amine oxide solvent that offers a higher degree of polymerization than is available with rayon. Characteristics: pleasant feel or hand, good draping qualities, ability to be dyed in brilliant colors and superior strength, and easy care.

VENTED BOTTOM - The bottom hem of a shirt that is cut straight with side slits to allow ease of movement. Vents are usually 2" deep.

WALE - In woven fabric, one series of ribs, cords, or raised portions. In corduroy fabric, wales per inch are counted to distinguish broad- from fine-textured cloth. The higher the wale number, the finer the texture of the fabric.

WEIGHT OF CLOTH (OZ.) - A description or classification of many fabrics by weight per yard.

WELT - A piece of fabric that works as an edging on a pocket; usually a single welt and wider than a besom.

WOOL - Primarily the fleece of a sheep or lamb - but can also refer to fleece of the alpaca, angora, cashmere goat, camel and vicuna. The fiber is distinguished from hair by the character of its covering: minute overlapping scales, which give it a felting property. Characteristics: strong and resilient, soft and warm, wicks away moisture and dyes well for rich coloration.

WOVEN - Woven fabrics are produced by the interlacing of yarns. Each filling yarn goes alternately over and under each warp yarn.

YOKE - An added section of fabric in a shirt or pants that enhances the fit. On a shirt, the yoke is usually on the back across the top shoulder area but can also be on the front shoulder to chest area. On pants, it is generally on the back of jeans-style pants located below the waistband.